Workplaces have become significantly safer over the years. The industrial revolution led to more efficient working practices as machines were used for the first time to speed up assembly lines. However, this also led to more accidents and greater challenges for businesses and employees. Thankfully, health and safety standards have improved a lot over time. Although workplace accidents are still a big issue for businesses, modern safety measures are often proactive rather than being simply reactive.
Technology has also played an important role in improving safety, as much as it’s also improved the overall efficiency of the workplace. From sensors and alarms to high tech robotics and AI, there are a number of technological marvels making every modern workplace safer. In this article, we’ll look at the evolution of safety and the different ways in which technology has improved standard safety measures.
Workplace Alarms
Alarms are an important safety measure, used to alert workers when something goes wrong. An alarm is useful, because it instantly signals when there’s an issue such as a fire or medical emergency. Different tones can be used to signify different emergencies, though most workplaces have a single alarm that they use. Beacon and sounder devices can combine alarm tones with a flashing light, providing a simple yet highly effective device for warning employees.
Alarms don’t necessarily have to be used to signify an emergency. They can also sound when a machine is in use, alerting others to exercise caution. This provides a more proactive safety measure, rather than simply reacting to an emergency. By warning employees to take care around certain machines, safety standards can improve.
In the past, alarms had to be triggered by an employee once an emergency was reported. This meant that response times were slower, which could mean the difference between life and death in an emergency situation. Thankfully, many modern alarms are connected to sensors which detect excess heat, smoke or other conditions.
Safety Training
Improving training standards has had a major impact on the overall conditions in modern workplaces. Today, there’s a much stronger health and safety culture, which means that employees and businesses are more aware of potential risks and how to mitigate them. Businesses now spend a lot of time training and instructing employees on proper procedures in order to reduce risks and create better conditions.
Modern safety training makes use of data to provide more insights into employee behaviour and the potential risks they face when carrying out their jobs. It can also reveal solutions for common safety issues, such as slips and trips, showing where non-slip flooring needs to be applied to reduce accidents. Data helps businesses in a variety of ways, allowing them to understand the needs of their employees better and improve training standards.
Modern safety training can also make use of technology such as virtual reality (VR). Rather than exposing employees to hazardous conditions, VR tech can create simulated environments for employees to learn in. This can not only reduce costs, but also improve the overall quality of training and ensure employees are better prepared for emergencies.
Better Risk Management
As safety standards have improved, businesses have become better at identifying, evaluating and managing risks. Businesses need to be mindful of risks due to the potential impact they can have on the company, resulting in major fines and loss of revenue. Modern businesses should always carry out risk assessments regularly to identify potential issues and find solutions before they can become an issue.
Proper risk management is a great example of proactive safety measures, with companies able to improve conditions before hazards occur. This is key to running a successful business, as it will ensure employees are healthier and happier.
